The House on Dec. 3 passed a bill requiring the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to establish an advisory committee made up of a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives of the general aviation community. The Aviation Security Advisory Committee, which will consult with the TSA regarding proposed changes to aviation security, will also include representatives from the airlines, aircraft manufacturers, airport operators, labor organizations, and passenger groups.

The measure, which was introduced by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D- Miss.), the ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security, passed by a vote of 413 to 3.

“We appreciate Representative Thompson’s leadership on this issue and the overwhelming bipartisan support it has received,” said Craig Spence, AOPA vice president of operations and international affairs. “This legislation will ensure that stakeholders from all segments of aviation are included when it comes to setting security policies that affect the way we fly.”

AOPA formally expressed its support for the legislation when the measure was introduced in September.

Elizabeth A Tennyson

Senior Director of Communications

AOPA Senior Director of Communications Elizabeth Tennyson is an instrument-rated private pilot who first joined AOPA in 1998.